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manner the existing condition,due to the want of a properly
regulated ourrency, is likely to be aggravated rather than
improved. I venture therefore to suggest that the serious
attention of the Chinese Government be drawn to a few
leading principles which must be observed if success is to
be attained.
3.
In reply to an enquiry of His
Britannic Majesty's Consul-General at Canton, I learn that
on the 28th. of May the Provincial Mint received orders to
cease the minting of all coinage on the 6th. ultimo; that
minting accordingly has been suspended and that the Mint
is awaiting instructions with regard to the minting of the
new coinage. Mr. Jamieson adds that he understands a
Central Mint will be established at Tientsin with branches
at Canton, Wuchang, Yunnan and Chengtu.
It is to be presumed that the
Chinese Goverment is alive to the vital importance, in
the interests of the scheme, of absolute control of the se
Branch Mints. Past experience leads those in this Colony
who are qualified to form a judgment to believe that the
success of the operation depends, as far as the Two Kwang
Provinces are concerned, upon the closing of the Canton
Mint. The temptation to manipulate the coinage is too
great